Details:

Jacob M. Schermerhorn autographed handwritten letter (ALS), two pages on a single folded sheet, dated March 23, 1869, and addressed to Samuel Sloan, President of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company. Written from Homer, New York, the letter discusses a proposed railroad expansion and the economic opportunities available along the opposite side of the river between Great Bend and Binghamton.

Schermerhorn reports meeting with a local businessman whose interests were situated along the proposed route and notes that residents of the area were eager for the railroad company to construct a new line of track on that side of the river. He outlines the substantial commercial benefits that could result, citing existing foundries, mills, sawmills, and other enterprises capable of generating freight traffic. Schermerhorn further suggests that local interests would likely be willing to contribute rights-of-way, bridge construction, capital, and other incentives to encourage development of the line. He concludes by emphasizing the strategic advantages of the proposed route and urges consideration of the opportunity before competing interests secure the project.

Fine condition.

Captain Jacob M. Schermerhorn (1815-1927) was a prominent New York businessman, landowner, civic leader, and Civil War-era figure associated with the development of central New York. A longtime resident of Homer, New York, he was deeply involved in regional transportation, commerce, and real estate interests during the nineteenth century. This letter provides an excellent example of the entrepreneurial efforts that accompanied the rapid expansion of American railroads following the Civil War, when local leaders actively sought rail connections to stimulate economic growth and increase property values throughout the Northeast.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11669 1416319-1